Chapter 135
Allie's Christmas Wish Comes True, Part I
. . .
At Victoria's request on behalf of her granddaughter and many guests, the staff of the Lafayette Gallery had spiffed, polished, and decorated its private showroom, packing it to the hilt with the best of their best Christmas cheer, providing a Holiday atmosphere of merriment like no other!
It was impossible to enter a room like this and not feel the joy of the true Spirit of Christmas, no matter the age or life experience of the guest.
Since the space took up most of the Department Store's two-storied third floor including the mezzanine, the owner had even added a few vignettes, under Victoria's careful direction, selecting those that the children would particularly love, including an old wooden Christmas Carousel that had been dismantled and unused for quite some time.
The store's head custodian, Calvin Melrose, dearly loved the piece, proudly putting it all back together while additionally refurbishing a few of the broken carved reindeer antlers along with one stylized dancing leg broken at the knee. The older man heartily pulled out all the stops for Victoria's charity events. It didn't hurt that he also loved the lady dearly, as she wasn't at all stuck up like the other socialites in Montreal.
In Calvin's mind, Victoria Bradford was a true lady who genuinely cared about the people her foundations helped, unlike so many other wealthy socialites who just wanted to get their name out there for a coveted spot at the top of the society page. Victoria focused on the people who needed her help, but she was also kind to the custodians who helped her create the magic for them, knowing each one by name. Calvin especially appreciated the personally written thank you note she never failed to send just before Christmas along with a generous gratuity, which he in turn used to provide a spectacular Holiday for his own family each year.
So, for today, he had placed the carousel with loving care in the very center of the room, where it looked nothing less than commandingly joyful. The carousel was decked and canopied with boughs of holly, evergreen, and red velvet ribbons, reeking of the Holidays. What a special way to spread memorable Christmas cheer to the orphans of Montreal!
There was no spot left undone in the entire room. Even the racks of clothing the salesclerks wheeled in for the children to select their clothes from were also similarly decorated with matching garlands and ribbons. The room simply burst with all the excitement and joy Christmas can bring!
As Allie's guests entered, the beyond excited children were magically transfixed when suddenly the carousel began to turn, playing one beloved Christmas Carol after the other, thereby setting the thrilling tone for the entire morning experience.
Thanks to Victoria's attention to detail combined with the children's excitement, the feeling was much more of an exhilarating party than a shopping expedition.
Indeed, the substantial vintage carousel, exquisitely carved, was a stellar masterpiece particularly for Nathan and Archie to observe, who loved woodworking and were intrigued by its intricate detail.
Of course, Sophia and Pippa, being the artists in the group, were more attracted to the myriad of colored shadings that literally brought one reindeer after another to life.
What a wonderful Christmas surprise for both the children and the adults!
As expected, the children were especially delighted and couldn't wait to ride one of Santa's eight reindeer:
"Look, there's Vixen!"
"Donner's the cutest!"
"I want to ride, Prancer!"
"Dancer is my favorite!"
"Please, may I ride Blitzen?"
"I like Cupid!"
"I love Dasher best of all! He's almost as fast as Comet!" (*151)
However, the carousel wasn't the only attraction; as it turns out, it wasn't even the main attraction!
Standing in front of a beautifully painted star-lit backdrop, at the back end of the room was a large Nativity Scene with real people playing Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Angel, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men, all compliments of professional actors from Estella's Theater Group.
There were live lambs and donkeys, too, that the children could pet and ride, which were as much a hit as the carousel! The only thing missing were the camels, but no one particularly minded as there were life-size replicas on either side of the living vignette, which the children could sit on and have their photos taken. The children were mesmerized as Allie basically told them the entire Christmas story.
"Look at that, Victoria! These kids are just as excited about the Nativity as the carousel," noted Edward in amazement. "That does my heart so good!"
"Look at our granddaughter telling them the story so expressively! This Nativity was your idea, Darling," reminded his wife. "And what a wonderful idea it's turned out to be! Estella's Theater Group has surpassed all expectations. Just look at them interacting with the children! Everyone's loving it!"
"You just can't have Christmas without a Nativity, and this one truly transports you back to that time," noted Edward. "I wanted these children to have the opportunity to see that the Christmas Story was real, is real, and that it really happened. What better way than using Essie's co-stars to bring the story to life?"
"The animals are quite the hit, too! You've accomplished all that and more, Edward, without a doubt! These boys and girls will never forget this wonderful day, I'm certain of it!"
In addition to the Carousel and Nativity, at the front end of the showroom sat a huge red velvet throne made of golden wood that looked like it was just waiting for Santa Claus, but was that even possible?
Surely not!
Or was it?
And so, the excitement for the morning continued building on Allie's special day for all the beautiful children whose Mothers were in Heaven…
Standing on the far-right side of the Lafayette Gallery's private showroom, a slew of excited and very loud boys surrounded Nathan and Richard, eager to share their new outfits and garner adult approval for their selections.
A team of clerks had positioned the boys' clothes on the right-hand side of the room, while another team lined up all the girls' clothing on the left-hand side in order to streamline their shopping processes.
Several of the boys needed help, and the men happily went back to the drawing board, meaning the long metal racks, to find them clothing pieces they not only liked but also matched better than their previous haphazard selections.
It was quite the hubbub on both sides of the room, but surprisingly the boys were as excited as the girls about getting new clothes!
"I've never seen kids so enthralled over selecting clothes," whispered Nathan to Richard, who smiled back in acknowledgment as the group of boys they had just talked to split up, with some running to the carousel and the rest to the Nativity Scene.
"It warms the heart, though" added Nathan. "To see them so happy!"
"It does! But remember, these kids have hardly anything and are much more excited than our kids who do have so much. Here these boys are taking the time to go through racks and racks of clothing to find the perfect items even with the Carousel and Nativity here to distract them," agreed Richard.
"You'd think somebody had just handed them a handful of bills, which, come to think of it, Edward has, in a manner of speaking, though the children have no idea whatsoever."
"That's the very best part of all this philanthropy, Nate. It's not about getting our name out there. We don't even want it out there. It's about sharing in these children's pure joy over something as simple as choosing a new outfit with all the necessary things for winter attire to keep them warm. It's the process we get to see them go through, along with the sheer joy on their faces that is so exhilarating! When all is said and done, it really is the simple things in life, the simple joys for all of us. And that holds true whether a Bradford or Grant or one of these children! We're not that different, Nate."
Nathan clasped his brother's shoulder, his best male friend in the world, understanding what Richard wasn't saying but was feeling, knowing that when you were a Bradford, the simple things, the simple joys, were especially appreciated.
Nathan sighed contentedly.
"It's been so good to be with you this week, Richard. I've missed spending time with you over the years!"
"Me too! I doubt you've missed me as much as I have you, Nathan. Being a Bradford can be a lonely thing. I think you're the only one in my entire life I've ever let see the real me. The only one I've ever really let in!"
"We're brothers, Richard, always have been, always will be. And we're making that official with our Wedding. That is if you behave yourself!"
Richard's eyes sparkled, and Nathan could see his mind whirling, which sparked the biggest eye roll from Nathan Grant you've ever seen…
Thanks to Allie, her Grandpapa, a man of his word, had already instructed his attorneys to set up trusts for each orphaned child's education through college. They wouldn't be told of the trusts per se, at least not until the time came for their higher educations. Yet, unlike before when there had been no resources, the Orphanage personnel as well as their instructors would now constantly inspire the children that they could be anyone they wanted to be and do anything they wanted to do.
"Allie, look at all these new friends of yours," smiled Edward. "I've never seen children happier or more excited!"
"I'm so happy, too, Grandpapa. I just want them to have their best Christmas ever. And I think they are, already!"
"The most important thing is that you thought of these beautiful children and were even willing to give up your own Christmas for them to have a better one. Loving and giving, that's you, Allie, my newest Granddaughter. Promise me you'll never stop caring for others. For that's where we find our true wealth. It's not in paper or coins, but in giving and sharing. If I haven't said it today, I'm so very proud of you, my Dear Child."
Allie smiled radiantly, but her smile quickly faded into concern.
"Grandpapa, I wish they had families like I have now."
Allie wrapped her arm around her Grandpapa's waist as they stood side by side together, with Edward's strong arm wrapped around her.
"So do we, Sweetheart! You mustn't say anything, but your Grandmama is going to work on that very thing during the coming New Year. You know Allie, you might not realize it now, but your simple Christmas wish is going to change the lives of all these new friends of yours for the better."
Edward pulled Allie to him, hugging this child who was already bringing so much to the Bradford Family.
As an adult, he understood that Allie couldn't possibly fathom just how life-changing her Christmas wish would be for so many different children. She simply wanted them to have their best Christmas ever, yet in doing so real life-altering miracles had been unleashed for their futures.
As Allie scampered off, Edward joined Archie who was working nearby with a similarly enthusiastic group of boys showing Geoffrey, Hendrix, Albert, and William how to do the same and put together their own groups to assist the remaining boys.
On the opposite side of the room, the women, including Millicent, Estella, Grace, Victoria, Sophia, Auntie Luciana, Margaret, and Pippa, were all spread out with the girls, offering them their fashion expertise by helping them with their many colorful selections of winter dresses, coats, and accessories.
"No, Dear, much too drab! We need something much more dramatic to highlight that dark hair of yours, especially for your dress outfit. Now, let me see," perused Auntie Luciana. "You need something in blue, Ella, to match those gorgeous blue eyes and make them pop! I think a bright red for you, Priscilla, with your lovely blonde hair and maybe a solid teal with white lace for you, Emily, with those beautiful green eyes. Never forget girls, we must always be as stylish as possible and look our very best at all times! If you're digging in the garden, one must still dress the part!"
It could never be said that Auntie Luciana didn't have style, and lots of it, although some might say it was rather peculiar, or at least singularly her own. The girls were first amused at the elder woman's words, then a little scared while perusing Auntie Luciana's own lavish selection of personal attire, but ultimately, they were delighted with her selections and even asked her for additional help making their other selections, which thrilled her to no end!
The poor little girls couldn't possibly know what hit them, but amazingly, they loved everything she selected, falling in love with Auntie Luciana during the process.
Further down the room, after noticing the worn and ill-fitting shoes all the children were wearing, Victoria asked the salesclerks to include everyday shoes and dress shoes, along with the previously selected winter boots for each child.
Also, given their worn clothing, she had quietly informed the clerks who were assisting to have each child select a week's worth of school and play outfits in addition to their dress outfits, winterwear, and shoes they were already choosing.
Basically, she intended for each child to receive a new wardrobe, for the first time in their lives, instead of the second-hand clothes and hand-me-downs they currently wore.
A team of salesclerks happily and immediately gathered the necessary items as the thrilled children began making their additional selections.
Victoria quickly pulled one of the managers aside.
"Please see that all the selections are wrapped and delivered to the various orphanages as soon as possible so that their clothing selections will be there when they arrive home after lunch. Just be sure that each child's name is firmly attached so they can't be confused as to what belongs to whom. Oh, and please don't forget the personalized Steiff Teddy Bears! I want them to have something to hold and love tonight as they remember their special day!"
Victoria had arranged the bears as an added surprise which wasn't to be seen till each child opened their box at their respective homes; each box would contain a Steiff Teddy Bear originally from Germany with mohair fur and moveable joints. (*152)
Victoria had even gone to the trouble of having each bear's right paw embroidered with the child's name it was being gifted to so there was no chance of getting them mixed up at the orphanages.
She and Edward had added the bears on an impulse, in memory of their eldest son, as the kidnappers had at least taken his toy bear with their infant child. Victoria prayed throughout her son's childhood that the bear had given Edward, III, comfort, reminding him of his parents and their love for him.
Even if the unthinkable had happened, she had prayed that at the very least their son had had his beloved bear beside him for comfort.
"I just pray that these additional stuffed bears will offer comfort to these orphaned children during a lonely night," she had explained to Edward, who simply drew her close and held her for the longest time.
After all these years of grief and loss, Edward still had been unable to speak, knowing full well the emptiness his wife was feeling while recognizing her tears as his own…
"Don't be shy," enthused Allie to her cousins. "Here, watch me! I'll show you how."
Maggie and Jackson watched as Allie went up to a group of the kids she hadn't yet met, then they quickly followed suit, welcoming each of the children they saw, introducing themselves, and wishing them a "Merry Christmas!"
"Hi, I'm Jackson! Merry Christmas and welcome to our party!"
"Hello, I'm Maggie. We're so glad you're here with us, today! Merry Christmas!"
Allie quickly gave both her cousins a thumbs up, and so the three continued welcoming their guests while busily flitting from here to there, enjoying meeting and making new friends with all the kids who were just as excited to meet them.
Since the three cousins were the real hostesses of this event, they also kindly saw that all their guests felt included and cared for by the adults.
However, the cousins' hospitality didn't stop there, as the Bradfords' Household Staff had also volunteered to assist.
"Wow! All the kids are super cool! But look, everybody's here from home," exclaimed Jackson.
"Except for the Nursery Staff! They're staying at home with Jacques and Margie," explained Maggie. "Mama says they're too little to take part in all this, but she said they can come to watch the Parade with us, later!"
"Those two are the cutest! I can't wait to hold them!" grinned Allie, who had already become fast friends with the two little terrors.
Everyone, adults included, looked forward to the whole family being together for the special event, watching Santa's arrival in Montreal.
Interestingly, the much-awaited arrival was rumored to be especially spectacular this year, though no one seemed to know just exactly how the man in red was planning to get here, which only heightened everyone's anticipation by leaps and bounds…
"I notice all the Chiefs of Security are not only out in full force, protecting our rather large entourage, but are here helping too," remarked Richard absent-mindedly. "Filling in wherever they're needed. Sometimes their many security restrictions are so frustrating, but the truth is they're good men! Just don't tell them I said that!"
"Of course not, Richard," laughed Nathan, shaking his head. "I met Gaston Garnier, Millicent's capable Chief of Security on my previous trip to Montreal, but thanks for introducing me to yours this morning."
"No problem, Alphonse Martin has been with me so long. He's like a second father to me and a third grandfather to the kids! He's a great man, Nate. As I said, I just don't tell him that!"
"No, let me guess! You give the poor man constant grief!"
Richard chuckled.
"Something like that! You know, you don't have to worry about Allie when you go on your Honeymoon. Between the two of us and the team, we've got her covered as far as safety. Plus, we'll entertain her royally. The kids will have an absolute blast together! Oh, and Millicent has already given her lesson plans to Margaret who will see that their tutors get them."
"Thanks, Richard! I know you'll take great care of her, but I appreciate you saying so! That means a lot."
"That's what family is for!"
"Not to change the subject, but before we get all mushy, Edward's Chief of Security, who hired those two men, is quite impressive. I've met with him once before, but this is the first time I've seen him in a social situation. Look at him, he's the life of the party bouncing those little ones up and down!"
"Hey! That was supposed to be my job!"
"You're stuck with me helping these boys, Rich!"
"You're no fun! But Maximus heads the entire Security Operations for the whole family. His last name's Bernard. Hey, Nathan, seriously, do you think we can ever ease up on all this?"
"No, Richard," answered Nathan honestly, immediately knowing that Richard was referring to decreasing security. "Not as long as you're having death threats coming in at this ridiculous rate."
"That's what I thought you'd say! You just crave freedom after so long of this, you know?"
"Yes, I think I do, even with what little exposure I've had. Look at me. I never dreamed I'd be heading out on my Honeymoon with a team of men hovering over me!"
Richard chuckled.
"There will be private moments you know. And lots of wonderful ones, I'm sure," he consoled.
"How did you manage?"
Richard chuckled.
"I don't think we came outside for three solid days just to escape them. I will warn you, it's a shock to see the men when you first do come out. But you get used to it fairly quickly. You'll fall right back into Honeymoon mode in no time! Besides that, if Em is anything like my wife, she will make it her business to see that you do!"
Nathan chuckled.
"I can't help but wish it was just the two of us, but I'm doing my best to adapt."
"It is just the two of you, Nathan, because it's the two of you in this marriage, which means you are the only two who matter!"
"You're right, Richard! I love Millicent so much, there are no words, and no matter what, I want her safe."
"Just give Maximus Bernard your absolute non-negotiables. He runs a tight ship, and all the men not only respect him but like him too. Underneath that massive exterior of his, he's congenial even with his teams."
"And from what I've seen with Maximus at the helm, you Bradfords couldn't possibly be better protected!"
"We Bradford-Grants, now, Bro!"
Nathan chuckled.
"Yes, we Bradford-Grants! Who would have thought?"
"Everyone, brother!"
"Except Millicent and me?"
"Nah, you both knew deep down! You just had to work your way through all the Bradford mire!"
"The Bradford mire? You sure make it sound enticing, Richard!"
Both men chuckled together.
Officially, the Chief Inspector couldn't help but notice, though, that Maximus Bernard, a large-framed man, was more than appropriately named as his first name meant 'the greatest' or 'largest' and his second name meant 'the warrior brave' or 'as bold as a bear.' (*153)
According to the man's massive size and fierce persona, strong yet friendly, closed yet open, the name was eerily accurate by all four definitions! This was a man a criminal wouldn't want to cross paths with based on size alone! Yet the man appeared to be thrilled overseeing this special day for the children, with the little ones seemingly knowing he held a softer side as well, continuing to give them a quick toss-up into the air to squeals of delight whenever they wished.
Nathan was amazed at the highly efficient teamwork exhibited under Monsieur Bernard's leadership. To the lay eye, everything appeared seamlessly effortless when, in fact, he knew that many different underlying facets were involved, even in the routine everyday operations. Nathan couldn't help but be impressed first-hand by this man who was so formidable yet kind and dearly loved by these children, a man after Nathan's own heart.
Monsieur Bernard was the person who would be responsible for their overall Wedding Day Security, no small undertaking, which was coming just around the corner.
"I am thankful Maximus is overseeing the security detail for the Wedding," admitted Nathan. "But today, is about my daughter and your daughter and son, Richard. It's phenomenal seeing both our families pitching in to make Allie's Christmas Wish come true…"
An hour later, the adults were still working hard.
"I suppose this is what controlled chaos looks like," grinned Nathan between his clothing approvals, hugs, and an encouraging word for the many boys showing him their prized selections.
Richard laughingly agreed.
"You've got that right. Hate to tell you, though, Bro, this is just warm-up practice for tomorrow!
Wait a minute! Since we're covering all the orphanages today, we might even finish before dinner. That'll be a first! Still, you'd better rest up tonight. Tomorrow's hard work even if it will be a shorter day than usual, and I'm not exaggerating. You'll see what I mean!"
"I've been forewarned!"
"Look at these kids, Nate! They're all having so much fun! Of course, Lafayette Galleries will never be the same, but that's a story for another day. At least the old department store is getting lots and lots of business today!"
Nathan chuckled.
"They're just lucky you still aren't a kid, Richard! The place would be in total shambles by now!"
Richard proudly smirked.
"Well, I do have a reputation to uphold!"
"That you do, Richard!"
The two looked out over the immense area, where the senior Bradfords and Grants, Millicent, Margaret, Auntie Luciana, William and Pippa, Hendrix and Estella, Albert and Grace, along with the rest of the Bradford Staff, both household and security, were all surrounded by delighted children, each so thrilled to be having this special outing, something they rarely ever experienced period, much less like this!
The excitement and joy in the room was palpable for all to feel.
What a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas!
"This is the very essence of Christmas giving, Nathan, right here in this room. And it's all thanks to our Allie…"
. . .
151. "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas"), Author Clement Clarke Moore, originally published in New York's Troy Sentinel Newspaper, December 23, 1823, Public Domain
152. Steiff Bear 55PB, Inspired by American President Theodore Roosevelt, Made in Giengen, Germany, of Mohair with Movable Joints, Designed by Richard Steiff, 1902, Public Domain
153. Name meaning for 'Maximus' and 'Bernard,' Multiple Reference Records re Public Information, Public Domain
